1995 arctic cats
Amsnow
Unlike Ski-Doo and Yamaha lines, there are no missing models in Arctco's lineup for 1995. Indeed, Cat puts a huge plug where there had been a hole. That plug is the ZRT 800 with a smaller bore version of the Thundercat triple in a very refined chassis/suspension set-up. According to Cat folks, the ZRT with triple tuned pipes and three 38mm Mikuni carbs has about the same power output as the larger T-Cat, although top end is a little less with the "smaller" Cat.
With the new rounded hood and streamlined windscreen, the ZRT gives Cat a major performance player in the 900, 800, 700, 600 and 440 classes. Cat has triples in the T-Cat at 900cc and the ZRT at 800cc; liquid-cooled twins with the ZR700, ZR580, ZR440 and new Z440 fan-cooled "sports" ZR. Except for the Z440, which is what the Jag Z has become, all the ZR chassis models remain pretty much the same as last year, except for obvious upgrades.
The AWS-IV, Cat's fourth iteration of the wishbone front suspension, is a standard feature now. You'll find it on virtually all of the high performance Cats. The T-Cat, available in either a base or a Mountain Cat version, retains the AWS-III design.
Not to let Ski-Doo put one over on anyone, Cat responds to the Summit 580 successes with the EXT Powder Special. Yes, there is an EXT Mountain Cat Option. No, this isn't it. The Powder Special has AWS-III and a 37 inch ski stance. The EXT Mountain Cat has AWS-IV and 40 inch stance. The base chassis is a ZR-derived aluminum one on all EXT models. The Powder Special carries the new 1.25 inch deep pattern lugged track as standard equipment. It's an option with the EXT Mountain Cat. All EXTs feature the potent 580cc liquid-cooled twin. The base EXT and Powder Special have 40mm carbs. The EXT 580 EFI and EXT 580 EFI MC use Cat's crisp 46mm throttle "fuelie" set-up.
In addition to the ZR700, you'll find a Wildcat 700, 700MC and Touring. All have fuel injection, AWS-IV front suspension, gas shocks front and rear, and an 11 gallon fuel tank. The Touring version has a full block 136 inch track and two-up seating. Think of it as rapid trail transit.
Totally new models for 1995, in addition to the ZRT, are the Pantera with 580cc twin, Z440 sports racer, and the Bearcat series of sport/utility sleds.
The Pantera is incredibly plush with its fiberglass overload spring, standard AWS-IV front suspension, dual passenger seating (complete with pillow-like backrest) and, of course, all the features designed to spoil you forever. They include electric start, reverse, full instrumentation and mirrors.
The Bearcat series is based on the AWS-III front end and is available in three power sizes: 550 liquid-cooled twin, 431cc fan-cooled twin, or 339cc fan-cooled twin. The two bigger Bearcats use a 156 inch long by 16 inch wide track. The Bearcat 340 comes with a 15 inch by 136 inch track. All three are designed for utilitarian purposes.
You'll find 29 models in the '95 lineup. Four are brand new and another 10 have had significant upgrades. You'll find "bold new graphics" highlighting the other models which include the Puma, Jag, Panther, Cougar, Prowler 2-up and Kitty Cat.
On the surface you won't see any extra long travel rear suspension models. But, we expect that one will come in a season or so. When you have a ZR-type snowmobile with its superb handling and ride characteristics...well, maybe you've already got an extra long travel rear suspension model and just aren't getting credit for it. Cat's AWS-IV front suspension has six inches of travel; the rear unit has 8.5 inches. We can attest that every inch of Cat suspension travel in the ZR series works hard.
We are also impressed with how Cat has subtly, but very wisely, engineered and styled its sleds to retain a "feel" and "look" from the past all the while offering leading edge technology. If you were a Cat rider in the days of dual-plugged Kawasaki El Tigres, you'll still feel a kinship with the 1995 ZRT. Cat's extremely savvy about helping its customers savor the past while they kick butt in the here-and-now.
Like we said, we don't see any holes in the Cat line for 1995.